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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Kalaty Rug. All opinions are 100% mine.

How can I add color and pattern to my apartment or dorm when I'm not allowed to paint the walls? It's one of the most common questions I hear. And as a former dorm dweller and current renter myself, I feel your design pain. And as someone who loves pops of bright color and bold pattern, my go-to solution is a statement-making area rug.

But rather than scavenge stores for a rug that perfectly fits your room's style and design, I suggest starting with the rug first. It's harder to find a rug that matches everything in your existing decor, but building off of a statement rug for design inspiration will make for a cohesive style – whether you're going for a pull-together or eclectic look.

The three statement rugs I used in the following decor boards are from Kalaty, a family-run Oriental rug business that originated in the early 1900's in Iran under Mirza Kalaty’s grandfather. In 1979, Mirza Kalaty founded the company in the USA.

Picking just three favorite Kalaty rugs was a challenge as so many colors and patterns were calling to me, but I soon settled on these three:

On its own, this contemporary rug is modern, trendy, and eye-catching without being overwhelming. I pulled my color scheme straight from the rug: crimson, a darker crimson, and ivory – with some black thrown around for good measure. I love mixing styles, so while the rug is quite contemporary I brought in antique and vintage-inspired elements in a space that I imagine would be perfect for writing novels. Lots of white and neutrals let the red of the rug and a comfy velvet chair take the stage. I feel like the black details (typewriter, chalkboard) ground the space. While some mix-and-matched metallics like copper and brushed steel add an industrial gleam. Would you love to sit down at this desk with a cup of rich, dark coffee?

After visiting the Southwestern U.S. earlier this fall, I really came to appreciate the patterns in the region's art. This rug called to me right away. I love that shows off that festive Southwestern style in subdued, neutral black-and-ivory tones. I'm a color-lover myself, but I enjoy entertaining the idea of an all neutral space with one big pop of color. So in this cozy, gender-neutral living room, I focused on black, white, creams, beige, and browns. I restrained myself with multiple patterns, but couldn't resist adding a chic floral patterned pair of curtains to balance out the Southwestern design. Typographic prints surround a fox painting on a gallery while, while modern furniture is softened by vintage accents. It goes to show that you don't have to be in the sunny Southwest to get in on the tribal pattern fun.

Lastly, this is my favorite rug and favorite decor board. I'm head over heels in love with this ikat rug because it's dark, colorful, and busy all at once. (It'd fit right in at my apartment!) Since this rug boasts so many colors, I gave myself full license to go crazy with the hues in the room. Purple and pink bedding, a distressed green dresser, dark brown curtains, and a midnight blue chair all exist happily alongside orange books, a gilded antique mirror, and gorgeous turquoise glass ceiling pendants. Eclectic, bohemian, and luxurious, this bedroom would be the ideal hideaway after a long day at the office.

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